Study: H1N1 Poses 'Special Threat' to Obese People - H1N1 - FOXNews.com

Study: H1N1 Poses 'Special Threat' to Obese People - H1N1 - FOXNews.com:

"Swine flu can cause severe disease in people of all ages and appears to pose a special threat to those who are obese, according to an analysis of H1N1 cases in California.
Public health researchers analyzed the state's first 1,088 hospitalized and fatal cases of H1N1 infection between April 23 and August 1.
Like other studies, they found the average patient who was hospitalized with H1N1 flu was younger than what is commonly seen with seasonal flu, but they also found severe disease at both ends of the age spectrum.

'What our study shows was that once you were hospitalized, if you were elderly you have a higher risk of dying,' Dr. Janice Louie of the California Department of Public Health in Richmond, whose study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association."

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Bright and Early

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Bright and Early:

"I am informed that a school news item I picked up yesterday from Indiana was not, in fact, from Indianapolis but rather from the now famed town of Churubusco. Duly chastened, I return to give you another, geographically correct newsblitz:

We bring you the findings from a just-the-facts-ma'am report report that looks at San Diego Unified from test scores to finances. It's meant to be the beginning of a conversation about how parents, philanthropists and business leaders can help improve schools. But the next steps are unclear. Researchers also found that two options floated to revamp schools, mayoral control and expanding the school board, would lead to battles at the ballot box."

Chula Vista Star News reporter Jon Campbell turned up an amazing story on how Sweetwater Superintendent Jesus Gandara failed to notify the school board and repeatedly denied publicly that he was seeking a job in Austin -- despite the fact that documents from Texas point to him being a candidate. If true, it would be grounds for his termination, the Star News reports. More will certainly come on this story.

KPBS reports that San Diego Unified could get as much as $74 million in federal loans to pay for solar energy projects at schools. The only problem is it has to pay it back -- and if it doesn't think it can reasonably do it, it can't accept all that money. The UT has also reported on this.

Fiorina Running For US Senate - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Fiorina Running For US Senate - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said she'll run for the U.S. Senate seat held by California incumbent Barbara Boxer.
Fiorina ended months of speculation Wednesday with an announcement in an opinion piece she wrote for the Orange County Register. She was scheduled to make a formal announcement later in the day.

Fiornia must win the Republican primary before she can challenge Boxer.

In her opinion piece, Fiorina said her priorities as a senator would be creating jobs, cutting government spending and expanding access to health care -- but not through a national health care system."

Charter Schools Help Public School Students - WSJ.com

Charter Schools Help Public School Students - WSJ.com:

"Opponents of school choice are running out of excuses as evidence continues to roll in about the positive impact of charter schools.

Stanford economist Caroline Hoxby recently found that poor urban children who attend a charter school from kindergarten through 8th grade can close the learning gap with affluent suburban kids by 86% in reading and 66% in math. And now Marcus Winters, who follows education for the Manhattan Institute, has released a paper showing that even students who don't attend a charter school benefit academically when their public school is exposed to charter competition."

Mr. Winters focuses on New York City public school students in grades 3 through 8. "For every one percent of a public school's students who leave for a charter," concludes Mr. Winters, "reading proficiency among those who remain increases by about 0.02 standard deviations, a small but not insignificant number, in view of the widely held suspicion that the impact on local public schools . . . would be negative." It tuns out that traditional public schools respond to competition in a way that benefits their students.
Imagine that. Competition works.

Calif. Assembly Passes Water Plan - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Calif. Assembly Passes Water Plan - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Assembly has passed a plan aimed at increasing water supply reliability while improving the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the source of drinking water for two-thirds of the state.

The plan includes both a policy package intended to improve water conservation, groundwater monitoring, water rights and governance, as well as a water infrastructure bond to be placed on next year's ballot.

The state Senate approved much of the deal on Tuesday."

"The package includes conservation and storage, groundwater protection, water rights protection, and Delta protection and represents the most significant water infrastructure and policy advances since the State Water Project in the 1960s," Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said in a prepared statement. "This is a responsible plan -- no one is getting 100 percent of what they want. Everyone who gets something has to give something, too. It is the only way to balance the many different individual interests for the overall greater good of having a safe and stable water supply for the entire State of California."

Young Teachers Assess Old Views and Traditional Methods: 7 Out of 10 Gen Y Teachers Open to Incentive Pay, but Only 10 Percent Rate Standardized Testing as Successful Measure | Reuters

Young Teachers Assess Old Views and Traditional Methods: 7 Out of 10 Gen Y Teachers Open to Incentive Pay, but Only 10 Percent Rate Standardized Testing as Successful Measure Reuters:

"NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study released today paints
a national picture of Generation Y teachers revealing an openness to incentive
pay. Seventy-one percent of Gen Y teachers are open to rewarding teachers
based on incentive pay, whereas only 10 percent of Gen Y teachers think that
student performance on standardized tests is an 'excellent' measure of teacher
success. The nationwide study, Supporting Teacher Talent: The View From
Generation Y, from Public Agenda, a nonprofit research organization, and
Learning Point Associates, a nonprofit education research and consulting
organization, offers a comprehensive and nuanced look at the question of
whether different generations bring different aspirations, concerns, and
perspectives to teaching.

'Traditionally, teachers have strongly opposed differentiating pay based on
student performance, but we found evidence that those attitudes may be
changing among Gen Y teachers,' said Jane Coggshall, Ph.D., co-principal
investigator for the Supporting Teacher Talent study. 'However, young
teachers, like teachers of all ages, are concerned about using standardized
test scores as the principal criterion.'"

Fears That Lack of Sick Leave Helps Spread Swine Flu - NYTimes.com

Fears That Lack of Sick Leave Helps Spread Swine Flu - NYTimes.com:

"Public health experts worried about the spread of the H1N1 flu are raising concerns that workers who deal with the public, like waiters and child care employees, are jeopardizing others by reporting to work sick because they do not get paid for days they miss for illness."

Tens of millions of people, or about 40 percent of all private-sector workers, do not receive paid sick days, and as a result many of them cannot afford to stay home when they are ill. Even some companies that provide paid sick days have policies that make it difficult to call in sick, like giving demerits each time someone misses a day.

Public health experts say policies like these encourage many people with H1N1, commonly called swine flu, to report to work despite official warnings from the government and most companies that they should stay home.

YOUR VIEW: Early education: Aim for quality across spectrum of providers | SouthCoastToday.com

YOUR VIEW: Early education: Aim for quality across spectrum of providers SouthCoastToday.com:

"Over the years, research has increasingly shown that high-quality early education matters in the long-term educational success of young children. We have learned from neuroscience of the enormous brain development that can occur when children are in low-stress environments that are literacy-rich and nurturing.

Despite the evidence that stresses the need for high-quality early education and care, today only about 25 percent of children have access to subsidized early education and care through public schools, licensed child care in family homes and centers, and Head Start programs."

All citizens must share responsibility for, invest in, and understand the value of the child's beginning years and the foundation these years form in their social, emotional, and academic readiness and success later in life. Learning must start at birth, as this is a critical period and a vital opportunity to level the playing field for all children.

Under the leadership and vision of Governor Patrick, Massachusetts remains committed to providing and promoting quality early learning opportunities for its youngest citizens. This includes access to affordable high-quality education and care, and resources for parents and families who effectively serve as their child's first "teacher."

Robey: 'Readiness' schools: Weighing the pros and cons - Waltham, MA - The Daily News Tribune

Robey: 'Readiness' schools: Weighing the pros and cons - Waltham, MA - The Daily News Tribune:

"As state and national attention becomes ever more focused on student achievement and the corresponding need to redress the persistent achievement gap, Governor Patrick's 'Readiness Schools' proposal is an encouraging venture onto the next stage of education reform.

These school models, which are currently being considered by the legislature, are indicative of a renewed willingness on the part of the state's leadership to think creatively about how to identify and address the problems of underperforming schools and help them better meet the very real-and complex-needs of students at-risk."

New Readiness Schools legislation limits teacher roles Tell your lawmakers: Teachers and their unions are part of the solution.
We all count on teachers to help improve our schools. Public school educators and their unions have helped develop innovative programs that have made Massachusetts schools some of the best in the country. We're committed to helping underperforming schools excel -- and we're proud of our accomplishments.

You count on your union to be your voice at the table. The "Readiness Schools" proposal would establish three new kinds of in-district public schools and in the process weaken protections and lessen the role for teachers in decision-making. Under this new bill, teacher union agreements could be unilaterally canceled, removing our right to collective bargaining. These agreements were reached collaboratively, with all voices at the table. It's not fair to ignore them now -- and it won't help improve our schools.

Tell your lawmakers:

Teachers and their unions are part of the solution. If this new program is going to succeed, it must empower teachers and their unions and keep them involved as we strengthen our schools. Schools work best when there's collaboration between teachers, administrators and parents. By urging lawmakers to protect collective bargaining rights, we can make sure that our teachers can keep doing what they do best: making Massachusetts schools great.

John Steele Gordon: Obama and the Liberal Paradigm - WSJ.com

John Steele Gordon: Obama and the Liberal Paradigm - WSJ.com:

"Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, recently explained the White House war on Fox News as an example of 'speaking truth to power.' Much of the American political world collapsed in laughter, pointing out that her boss was president of the United States, the most powerful man on earth. His every word is news around the world. Fox News is a cable channel rarely watched by more than a few million people at a time. How could she have so blithely said something completely out-of-sync with reality?

Simple: She's a liberal.

As a liberal she carries around in her head the liberal paradigm of how the world works and what needs to be done to make it work better. There's nothing wrong with that. We all use paradigms to make sense of what we see around us and couldn't get along without them. Unfortunately, the basic liberal paradigm hasn't shifted in a hundred years, while the world we live in has changed utterly since the late 19th century, when modern liberalism was born."

Local coverage of Obama visit to Madison’s Wright Middle School

Local coverage of Obama visit to Madison’s Wright Middle School:

"President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Wright Middle School in Madison, WI today, where he will speak on education reform. Attendance is by invitation only; in fact, only 50 parents will be attending, chosen by lottery.

The President’s plane is expected to land at the Dane County regional airport at approximately 12:30pm. Obama’s address is expected to take place at the middle school at approximately 1:30pm."

voiceofsandiego.org: Education... Schools Beset with Problems -- Now What?

voiceofsandiego.org: Education... Schools Beset with Problems -- Now What?:

"Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 San Diego Unified schools added more administrators while losing students in years past. Its teachers were rarely fired or denied tenure. Today, less than half of its high school juniors are meeting the California standards in reading and writing.

Those are some of the facts from a top-to-bottom study of San Diego Unified that ranges from unsurprising to worrisome. The report, paid for by Rod Dammeyer, a local businessman, gives a mixed picture of the tumultuous district. His goal is to mobilize parents and community leaders to seek change in the school district and understand its woes."

Tackle schools' unique hurdles - Hawaii Editorials - Starbulletin.com

Tackle schools' unique hurdles - Hawaii Editorials - Starbulletin.com:

"Embattled by Furlough Friday furor, a jab by the federal education secretary and national humiliation, Hawaii's school system must find a way to rebound. More important, it should devise a method of keeping up with other schools across the country in the years ahead despite circumstances that will remain uniquely difficult."

Much of the problem with Hawaii's schools derives from the fact that it is the only statewide system and derives its revenue from the state income and excise taxes. Elsewhere in the country, schools are run by counties with revenue primarily from county property taxes, with help from the states.

One consequence of that difference is that the Hawaii State Teachers Association lines up with other public employee unions in adversarial labor negotiations with the state. Another is that important aspects of school policies emanate from labor contracts.

For example, labor contracts in Hawaii determine the number of school days in a year and instructional minutes. In other states, the number of instructional hours per year or minimum school days and hours per day are set by law or regulation. Clearly, those decisions should be made as public policy rather than terms of a union contract.

No way to secure school funding -- latimes.com

No way to secure school funding -- latimes.com:

"If California schools want a piece of $4.2 million in new federal education grants, they'll have to make some changes. Legislation by state Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) and several coauthors would pave the way for those changes, but the bill is so awkwardly constructed at this point, with so many unnecessary and possibly harmful additions, that it doesn't deserve the fast-track passage Romero is seeking.

The bill moves in the right direction in enacting common-sense reforms that were outlined by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan as requirements for states that want to compete for Race to the Top grants. The grants are intended to spur innovation at lackluster schools across the nation. One prerequisite: eliminating state limits on the number of charter schools that can be created. That's currently 100 per year in California. Romero's bill would lift the limit."

California's higher-education debacle -- latimes.com

California's higher-education debacle -- latimes.com:

"For nearly six years, I have served on the Board of Trustees of the California State University system -- the last two as its chairman. This experience has been more than just professional; it has been a deeply personal one. With my term ending soon, I need to share my concern -- and personal pain -- that California is on the verge of destroying the very system that once made this state great.

I came to California because of the education system. I grew up in Connecticut and attended college back East on partial scholarships and financial aid. I also worked part time, but by my first year of grad school, I'd maxed out my financial aid and was relying on loans that charged 14% interest. Being a lawyer had been my dream, but my wife and I could not afford for me to go to any law schools back East."

Obama coaxes states to change with school dollars | National Politics | Idaho Statesman

Obama coaxes states to change with school dollars National Politics Idaho Statesman:

"WASHINGTON — One year after his election, President Barack Obama is coaxing states across the country to rewrite education laws and cut deals with unions as they pursue his vision for school reform.

Obama is visiting Wisconsin, where lawmakers are poised to change a law to boost their state's chances at $5 billion in education grants, the most money a president has ever had for overhauling schools.

Nine other states have taken similar steps, even though states can't apply for the money yet and only a few states may end up getting grants."

Water plan has local goodie - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee

Water plan has local goodie - Sacramento Politics - California Politics Sacramento Bee:

"A nonprofit tolerance center in midtown Sacramento, championed by state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, could get a vital economic boost from an unlikely source: a mammoth $10 billion water bond proposal.

Nestled among the provisions of a measure approved on a 29-5 vote by the Senate late Monday is language that would earmark 'not less than $10 million' for the California Unity Center."

Another school question for the mayor - Bill Boyarsky

Another school question for the mayor - Bill Boyarsky:

"One of the many questions Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s school plan leaves unanswered is whether all students will be allowed to attend their neighborhood schools.

The LAUSD board has approved Villaraigosa’s plan to turn over 250 campuses, including 50 new ones—to charter school organizations and other groups that can meet district qualifications. Charter schools and others run by outsiders are financed by the districts but run their campuses independently.

Many of the campuses, and most of the new ones, are in poor areas where students have been packed into old, overcrowded schools for many years. These neighborhoods supported recent bond issues that financed the new schools."

The Cesar Chavez Institute offers FREE Tutoring for CA/AZ Children.

The Cesar Chavez Institute offers FREE Tutoring for CA/AZ Children.

Please spread the word!

"A word as to the education of the heart. We don't believe that this can be imparted through books; it can only be imparted through the loving touch of the teacher." --Cesar E. ChavezCesar

Chavez believed in education and felt strongly that education developed our youth. He was born to parents who taught him the importance of hard work, respect, and education. He was born in a household that was predominantly Spanish language which made school harder. Cesar talked about being punished with a ruler to his knuckles for speaking Spanish in school. As the child of migrant farm workers he attended numerous different schools. Despite this Cesar was lucky. His parents encouraged him to learn and he went on to become an American hero as a civil and labor rights leader.

How can we ensure that children, who encounter similar obstacles as Cesar, are prepared for success, not set-up for failure? By getting them the extra help they need before it’s too late. The Cesar Chavez Education Institute can help.The Institute was established for the purpose of increasing the education opportunities available to students in schools who can benefit from extra instruction.

The Tutoring Program

Students receive 40 hours of direct instruction across the school academic year. Tutoring instruction is based on student learning plans that are set up based on the student's pre-assessment test at the start of the program.

The tutoring sessions are 2-3 hours per week (depending on students' skill/grade levels), twice a week. E.g. a K-1 session is not likely to be 1.5 hrs because of students' age and attention level.
Tutoring is in small groups of 6 to 9 students in a highly structured instructional format.
Instruction is provided for the English language learner.

Sessions take place at the child's respective school or at nearby community center, library, or other neighborhood facility.

Every 10 hours of instruction, the parents will receive a progress report on the student's progress or lack thereof. Changes in the student's learning plan are made in consultation with the parents. We are partners in their child's education.

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED TUTORING?If you have a child in K-9 and are interested in applying for a tutoring program with the Institute in your area, please contact jvalenzuela@ufw.org for more information.

We need your help to outreach to students for this important and free college prep program available at their schools or local libraries or organizations.

You can help us through: community presentations; outreach to libraries, sports teams, PTA meetings; door to door canvassing and more. If you are involved in a group that can host a presentation or help us recruit students, please let us know. "Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators.

They must learn to think and act for themselves-and be free."--Cesar E. Chavez

Free Tutoring is offered in the following counties: California: Monterey, Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Kings, Riverside, Fresno, MaderaArizona: Tuscon, Maricopa
Please help us spread the word about this tremendous opportunity!
Si Se Puede!

Check out the website at: http://www.ufwaction.org/ct/9dz6zF61NaAJ/ufw and keep up with the latest news.

Clinical trial: One dose of H1N1 vaccine will protect pregnant women - CNN.com

Clinical trial: One dose of H1N1 vaccine will protect pregnant women - CNN.com:

"Washington (CNN) -- Nearly all healthy pregnant women who receive a single dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine will be protected from that flu, according to just-released clinical trial data.

In a news conference Monday at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said out of about 100 pregnant women who participated in trial studies, over 90 percent showed a robust immune response to a single 15-microgram dose of the H1N1 vaccine. And at this point, there have been no reported side effects, Fauci said.

Fauci stressed that these results should be reassuring for already-vaccinated pregnant women and this is 'vital information for those who have not yet been vaccinated.' He added that 'pregnant women have tolerated the vaccine well, and no safety concerns have arisen.'"